Federal authorities are asking for the public’s help in an ongoing child pornography investigation involving a 67-year-old Attica man who was previously convicted of similar crimes.
Edward Forrester was charged by criminal complaint with production and possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced Monday. If convicted, Forrester faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and up to 30 years.
According to prosecutors, the case began in April 2022 when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children alerted New York State Police that a Google account under the name “edward forrester” had uploaded suspected child pornography to YouTube. One of the videos was described as unfamiliar and possibly newly produced homemade content. Investigators were able to identify a victim depicted in the footage.
On May 5, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant on a camper and two vehicles stored at Forrester’s brother’s property in Wyoming County. A cell phone and tablet were seized, and Forrester was charged in state court with first-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child.
A separate search at Forrester’s then-residence in Corfu led to the seizure of two additional cell phones. A forensic review uncovered four images of suspected child pornography, including one of the identified victim.
The FBI’s Buffalo Field Office is now seeking assistance from the public. Anyone with specific information related to the case is urged to contact the office at (716) 617-3250. A photo of Forrester has been released to aid in the investigation.
The charges are the result of a joint investigation by the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera, and the New York State Police, led by Major Amie Feroleto.